Issue 2 29/01/13 fortnightly
Regional & Remote Health Defiant paramedics using social media Physiotherapists raise funds to end violence against women Regional program boosts allied health services Dancer embraces physiotherapy career
Hundreds of great jobs for nurses and midwives you won’t find anywhere else
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Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 2 | Page 3
www.ncah.com.au Issue 02 – 29 January 2013 We hope you enjoy perusing the range of opportunities included in Issue 02, 2013. If you are interested in pursuing any of these opportunities, please contact the advertiser directly via the contact details provided. If you have any queries about our publication or if you would like to receive our publication, please email us at careers@ncah.com.au “FACT, NOT FICTION” The NCAH Magazine distribution is independently audited by the Circulations Audit Board.
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Next Publication: Mental Health feature Publication Date: Monday 11th February 2013 Colour Artwork Deadline: Monday 4th February 2013 Mono Artwork Deadline: Wednesday 6th February 2013
Page 4 | www.ncah.com.au
AttENtION: RuRAL ANd REmOtE NuRSES ANd mIdWIvES HuNtER NEW ENgLANd HEALtH IS WAItINg fOR YOu! Are you a Registered Nurse or Midwife looking for a new challenge or a tree change? Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced Nurse or Midwife looking for a career change, there’s an opportunity for you with Hunter New England Health Local Health District. The Primary and Community Health Network of HNE Health in New South Wales is looking to recruit to a range of positions across various clinical settings in Rural and Remote acute and community services which provide exciting and challenging opportunities for Nurses and Midwives. HNE Primary and Community Health Network boasts a range of facilities including rural referral, district and community hospitals, multi purpose centres and community health centres. The network extends across a diverse geography. Within this Network Rural Nurses are integral members of the local community and develop collaborative relationships with community members and other health professionals to provide comprehensive health services.
What skills or experiences would I need to make the change? You will need to be currently registered or able to be registered in NSW with the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Agency (AHPRA) Experience in rural and remote nursing will be an advantage To embrace the challenge of working in the rural environment you will need to work flexibly, maintain critical thinking and evaluation skills and utilise good decision– making skills. Talk with Susan Brazil on 0414 452 094 or email your CV to ExpressionOfInterest@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au Boost Your Qualifications Boost Your Job Satisfaction Boost Your Lifestyle With Ongoing Career Diversification and Job Challenges - YOU can get it all working for HNE Health, in New South Wales. Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 2 | Page 5
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Great benefits and support defines the NAHRLS difference I’m Mark Leddy from Camperdown Clinic and as the Practice Manager I am responsible for ensuring that appropriate staffing levels are met to provide a service to our client base. The Camperdown Clinic has been providing cradle to grave health care to a client base from the great ocean road through to Mount Elephant and Lismore. The Practice has been employing Registered Nurses in the role of Practice Nurses for approximately seven and a half years. We are also geared towards education of doctors and medical students and therefore recognise the need for professional development and maintenance of skills. The local hospital is manned by the General Practice doctors and has a highly proficient nursing staff caring for the inpatients. Camperdown is located in the Corangamite Shire and is known as the lakes and craters region. The township has a steady population around 3700 whilst the shire has a population of 18000. We are two and a half hours west of Melbourne and one and a bit hours south of Ballarat. The Great Ocean road is a 30-40 min drive away. Our Community is primarily farming and small business with a small percentage of welfare based families. Patients are cradle to grave with an increasing percentage of elderly patients. Prior to utilising NAHRLS it was always a human resource issue having to utilise other staff to adjust their lifestyle to cover the Practice Nurse position when training was undertaken. I heard about NAHRLS purely by chance, so I was glad that the initial conversation took place. The assistance, guidance and professionalism were at the highest level. The whole evolution Page 8 | www.ncah.com.au
was undertaken with clear advice and, surprisingly, minimal paperwork. The high quality of candidates put forward allowed management to select the most appropriate for the locum cover position. If I had been recruiting a Practice Nurse all three of the candidates would have been on an interview short list. The great benefits of NAHRLS are no fees and charges. Our only financial commitment was to pay an hourly rate commensurate with the staff member being covered. NAHRLS covered costs associated with transport, accommodation and meals. I phoned NAHRLS as a staff member was attending a Pap Smear update but the course was being conducted 5 hours’ drive away. The requirement to ensure that our staff member was not placed at risk by driving up or returning on the same day meant that we could have them take an extra day to meet the travel needs and undertake the whole day update refreshed and focused. In this case without the ability to utilise NAHRLS the staff member’s accreditation may have lapsed as we could not cover her absence. The ability to allow health providers a staffing resource through NAHRLS certainly encourages Managers to support the endeavours of their staff in maintaining currency and competency. The Locum conducted themselves in a professional manner and performed all tasks required in an appropriate manner. Communication between admin and health providers was clear and concise. Medical notes were also well written. I am quite sure that the locum, although only here for a short time, did enjoy the experience. NAHRLS is easy, professional and the locum provided was high quality so I would not have any hesitation in recommending NAHRLS to others and using them again in the near future.
Come to our place. If you’re interested in an exciting career change, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Alukura are currently recruiting to:
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Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 2 | Page 9
Why the world needs nurses by Karen Keast Why should you care? You should care. – ‘A World Without Nurses’ It also presents some sobering statistics on the ageing workforce and the number of nurses expected to retire in the next few years. “The United States alone could need 1 million more nurses by 2020, Australian officials estimate 90,000 will retire by 2020, in the United Kingdom around 180,000 are expected to retire within the next 10 years – that’s nearly half of their nurses,” it states. “In a world without nurses, who will care for your loved ones? Who will manage people with chronic illness? Who will look after you? “Why should you care? You should care.” Uploaded in 2011, the video is the work of healthcare education provider Ausmed Education.
A video highlighting why the world needs nurses has received almost 60,000 views on YouTube. The clip, titled A World Without Nurses, presents a snapshot of some of the biggest issues facing the nursing profession and poses the question – what would it mean to have a world without nurses? It states there are more than seven billion people in the world and only 17 million nurses, while explaining fewer nurses means shorter lives, a higher chance of serious infection, complications from surgery or hospitalisation, and can also mean life or death for acute care patients. It goes on to say nurses can help people live longer, healthier and happier lives and discusses the benefits of education while also detailing the critical shortage of nurses facing Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. Page 10 | www.ncah.com.au
Ausmed Education spokesperson Cynthea Wellings said a creative team in Melbourne, including nurses, helped create the video to highlight some of the major challenges facing the profession. The clip has received feedback from as far afield as Poland and Alaska, Ms Wellings said. “This video has truly gone viral and seems to speak to people in all languages,” she said. “On LinkedIn, senior nurses have congratulated us on developing such a video. They have told us they are going to show the video to their nursing students. “I think it has been successful because the content affects everyone. Whether you are a nurse or a person needing nursing care, the information in this video is important.” View the clip at http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=XsjNXWIW28w
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Ngaanyatjarra Health Service is an Aboriginal Community controlled health service providing primary health care on the Ngaanyatjarra Lands in the Central Desert region of Western Australia. Are You thinking of a New Direction in Your Nursing Career? Remote Area Nurse The role of the Remote Area Nurse is to contribute and support the overall multidisciplinary remote’s health team’s endeavour to treat our patients. Senior Remote Area Nurse The Senior Remote Area Nurse will be based at Warakurna and as well as the day-to-day RAN duties, this role will be a clinical support /mentoring role, prioritising clinic workload using resources appropriately and cost effectively. Chronic Disease Nurse (chronic disease 0.8/remote area nurse 0.2) The role of the Chronic Disease Nurse (0.8FTE) is to support clinical staff in reducing incidence and age of onset of chronic disease, and improve outcomes of existing patients. The role of the Remote Area Nurse (0.2FTE)is to work under the direction of the Clinical Nursing & Quality Manager to contribute and support overall multi disciplinary remote health team. Physiotherapist (50% Alice Springs/50% Lands based) To improve the health and wellbeing of people in Ngaanyatjarra Lands by providing culturally appropriate, person-centred physiotherapy services, health promotion and preventative health programmes that are based on identified health needs in each community. Public Health Nurse – Men’s Sexual Health Work with the Sexual & Reproductive Health Programme (SRHP) coordinator in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of the (SRHP) strategic plan. All application information and position descriptions can be found on the website www.nghealth.org.au Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 2 | Page 11
Study aims to retain allied health professionals in workforce by Karen Keast A new research project studying retirement-aged allied health professionals in Victoria hopes to combat a shortage of the workforce in rural and remote areas on a national scale.
Survey participants are questioned on topics such as what motivates them to remain in the workforce after retirement age to workplace barriers in regional and rural areas.
The Monash University research project, labelled Retention of Allied Health Professionals at Retirement Age in Rural Victoria (RETAINR), will investigate allied health professionals’ beliefs and attitudes about work and retirement in regional and rural areas.
Dr Stebbing said respondents have so far expressed a need for more flexibility in their work hours, with many retirement-aged allied health workers also juggling carers’ responsibilities and community commitments.
Sixty allied health professionals have already participated in the anonymous, online survey and researchers are seeking about another 40 participants. Researchers are hoping the Victorian Department of Health funded project will work to boost retention rates in the retirement workforce. Monash University Department of Rural and Indigenous Health senior lecturer and project team leader Dr Margaret Stebbing said the retirement of four million baby-boomers over the next 20 years will place increased strain on an already stretched health workforce in rural Victoria. Dr Stebbing said the survey results, and the consequent development of a workplace model to address issues uncovered in the survey, could have ramifications for the wider rural and remote health workforce throughout Australia. “We think this is a project that will have some outcomes that will be of interest right across Australia,” she said. “There’s always a shortage and there’s always a problem for some people to find allied health professionals (in rural areas) when they need one.” Dr Stebbing said the survey targets allied health professionals aged 55 and over who are qualified to practise as an allied health professional, and are either intending to retire or are living in a regional city, town or rural area of Victoria. Page 12 | www.ncah.com.au
“They would like to have their experiences and skills valued and appreciated,” she said. “They like a bit of autonomy in the work place and they like a bit of leeway with their employers.” Dr Stebbing said the results of the survey will not only assist allied health professionals but would benefit allied health professional organisations, health service delivery agencies, educators, planners and policy makers at local, state and national government levels. “We are talking about valuing older people’s skills and experiences in life and helping them to continue to keep working if they feel that’s what they want to do,” she said. “It fits into workforce development but also the promotion of healthy ageing and well-being in older people.” The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and can be found at https://confluencev re . i t s . m o n a s h . e d u . a u / d i s p l a y / re t a i n r / RETAINR+Homepage We think this is a project that will have some outcomes that will be of interest right across Australia. – Dr Margaret Stebbing Monash University Department of Rural and Indigenous Health Senior Lecturer
Aeromedical Flight Nurses CareFlight is an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing the community with rapid response critical care. Over the past 25 years we have cared for and transported over 20,000 patients. CareFlight is government contracted and provides the Top End of the Northern Territory with a local fixed wing and helicopter aeromedical service.
Applications are sought from nurses interested in working as aeromedical nursing crew members. This is a fantastic opportunity for registered nurses to work as part of an integrated crew model in local fixed wing and helicopter retrievals. The role will involve a variety of tasks across operational bases located at Darwin, Katherine and Nhulunbuy/Gove. Candidates should have a level of fitness and will be required to undertake a physical fitness assessment. Candidates must be able to demonstrate: • eligibility for Registered Nurse and Midwife registration with APHRA.
• minimum 5 years experience as a nurse with minimum 4 years in emergency/ critical care and post graduate certification in a critical care specialty • current certification in ALS/ACLS and/or TNP/TNCC • physical capability to meet the challenges of aeromedical practice, including helicopter retrieval work • ability to operate in an ‘out of hospital’ environment For more information visit www.careflight. org Forward your EOI addressing all criteria, plus CV and two referees to recruitment@ careflight.org Applicants should also indicate availability to start. Closing date 15th February 2013. Contact Darren Chilton – Clinical Manager NT Operations on 0488131431 for further information. All employees must comply with CareFlight’s Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP) as required by CASA and may be subject to random workplace testing. Criminal Record and Working with Children Checks apply.
Aeromedical Flight Nurses
Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 2 | Page 13
CareFlight is an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing the community with rapid response critical care. Over the past 25 years we have cared for and transported over 20,000 patients. CareFlight is government contracted and provides the Top End of the Northern Territory with a local fixed wing and helicopter aeromedical service. Applications are sought from nurses interested in working as aeromedical nursing crew members This is a fantastic opportunity for registered nurses to work as part of an integrated crew model in local fixed wing and helicopter retrievals. The role will involve a variety of tasks across
The Rural Health Education Foundation will be broadcasting a live panel discussion and a documentary on telehealth on Tuesday 29th January. The documentary will showcase stories from clinicians and patients who have been using telehealth for a while and the impact this technology is having for patients in rural and remote Australia accessing treatment and the primary healthcare teams involved. The panel will discuss different models being used; myths and misunderstandings; what they wish someone had told them when they were starting and the difference it is making to their practice and to their patients. Tuesday 29th January 2013 Rural Health Channel (VAST Channel 600) Register to view the online webcast <http:// www.media-server.com/m/p/ac4dez38> 8pm NSW, ACT, TAS & VIC; 7.30pm SA, 7.00pm QLD, 6.30pm NT; 5.00pm WA Stories from The New Bush Telegraph: The Impact of Telehealth documentary will be broadcast half an hour prior to the live panel discussion. CPD Accredited: RACGP Cat 2 (2 points), ACRRM (1 point), RCNA (1 point) Visit the Telehealth webpage http://www. rhef.com.au/programs/program-1/?program_ id=610 for more detailed information.
Page 14 | www.ncah.com.au
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Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 2 | Page 15
Regional program boosts allied health services by Karen Keast A Victorian regional health service has embarked on an innovative traineeship model to bolster its allied healthcare team while increasing Koori representation within its workforce. Faced with a skills shortage for qualified allied health professionals, Central Gippsland Health Service (CGHS) supported six Aboriginal people to undertake Allied Health Assistant (AHA) traineeships, covering disciplines such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social health, dietetics, speech pathology and podiatry. Supported by the Victorian Department of Health’s Closing the Gap Fund, the 18-month traineeship project for Indigenous people has been heralded a success. CGHS workforce capability and learning general manager Denise McInnes said the project enabled the service to recruit and retain VET-trained and qualified allied health staff while providing career pathways for Aboriginal people.
Ms McInnes said the program had faced a range of challenges, including cultural differences, and recorded a high drop-out rate but two trainees have now been offered permanent positions with the health service and three more trainees are being recruited. Trainee Tina Towers said the experience had been life-changing. Ms Towers moved from her home in New South Wales to be with family in Sale when she came across an advertisement for the traineeship. “I have had a lot of work in customer service and food service but this is something that I have always thought I would like to do,” she said. “Seeing the advertisement gave me the incentive to apply and it’s been a fantastic work opportunity.” Ms Towers is expected to finish her traineeship within weeks and has been allocated a position in the occupational therapy department at the Community Rehabilitation Centre in Sale.
“It certainly has been overall a success and there’s a need for the staff in this area and it would be good if we could continue it every two years, if the funding was there,” she said.
“I like helping people get to a stage where they are as independent as possible and seeing how happy people are that they are improving as well,” she said.
“There are other people at other hospitals within Gippsland progressing down the same path with Aboriginal people undertaking a traineeship.”
“It’s also a big change in my lifestyle from the kind of work I used to do and it’s been good for my health; I have been exercising and eating well.
The traineeships were introduced in July 2011 after an earlier AHA traineeship program, not specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, was launched in 2010. Seeing the advertisement gave me the incentive to apply and it’s been a fantastic work opportunity. – Tina Towers Allied Health Assistant Trainee Page 16 | www.ncah.com.au
“It’s definitely improved my confidence and my attitude towards work, it’s building my self-esteem up and I really feel like part of the team.” Ms McInnes said the next three positions included a Diploma of Nursing as a traineeship, with a candidate already selected, and there were four applicants for the remaining two AHA traineeships.
• • • • •
Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 2 | Page 17
Maari Ma Health
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! &)), &)** Nurse 1 Nurse who $ is culturally competent, aware of FWLHD have Manager a vacancy for Grade a Registered indigenous health issues and has a special interest in Indigenous primary health. A great opportunity for a Child & Family Health Nurse or Midwife to For ! # ! ! further information and to apply, please contact Linda Lynott, email lead an innovative and comprehensive child health program, from LLynott@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au
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Visit our new website facebook.com/RemoteAreaHealthCorps
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Visit our new website today to find out more. With a range of short-term paid placements available for Registered Nurses in remote Indigenous communities all over the Northern Territory, joining RAHC allows you the opportunity to make a real difference to Indigenous health in Australia, while still keeping your regular job back home.
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Defiant paramedics using social media by Karen Keast Defiant Victorian paramedics are reverting to online pseudonyms, private chat sites and podcasts to discuss and communicate workplace issues. The move comes amid claims Ambulance Victoria’s new social media policy threatens termination and litigation against paramedics who speak out on workplace conditions. The policy was introduced after paramedics released three podcasts in recent weeks to air grievances about the organisation, and comes as the union considers industrial action in the face of an unresolved enterprise bargaining agreement. But disgruntled paramedics have warned they will continue to use social media as a “fundamental” platform in the wake of other successful electronic media campaigns waged by unions, including the Australian Nursing Federation’s Victorian branch. An Ambulance Employees Association of Victoria delegate and paramedic, who wants to remain anonymous, said paramedics are using social media “to get their message out there”. “We have got our own blogs and chat rooms and forums which up to 1000 paramedics at any time are using,” he said. “That is one of our safe ways to communicate. “I guess that’s where we will continue to use it…we will be clever in the way we use online social media and we need to keep pushing the message out there.” The paramedic said one of the three recent podcasts featured numerous paramedics speaking out against a policy to force graduate paramedics to respond to emergencies on their own.
Page 20 | www.ncah.com.au
“We completely disagreed with it…we didn’t think it was safe,” he said. The paramedic of seven years said the organisation’s social media policy, which threatens to terminate or litigate employees was “bizarre and oppressive”. “They are trying to put themselves in a position where they can take quite significant action against paramedics who do that sort of thing,” he said. “They will potentially terminate or sue someone who embarrasses the service or damages the reputation of Ambulance Victoria. “Threatening to silence us is not something we should accept; we shouldn’t tolerate that.” He believed paramedics will continue to use social media despite the new policy. “I don’t think paramedics should feel bullied or intimidated,” he said.
people and community general manager Margaret Pettitt said.
That is (social media) one of our safe ways to communicate.
“It’s common for organisations to have a social media policy and our policy mirrors that of other government agencies.
– Ambulance Employees Association of Victoria delegate and paramedic “I think we have got the right to inform the public about some of the challenges that we have got. We are a public sector organisation and they need us and I think they deserve to know what our working conditions are like.”
“The policy is simply an extension of the code of conduct allowing new communications channels to be included. “It aims to protect our employees and their patients ensuring that their professional reputation and relationship with their colleagues is not damaged.”
Ambulance Victoria has defended its social media policy, labelling it an extension of its code of conduct.
Ambulance Employees Association of Victoria general secretary Steve McGhie said the policy attempted to “gag” workers.
“We recognise that social media is a great way for our employees to learn, collaborate and exchange ideas for their personal and professional development,” Ambulance Victoria
“At this stage what we are saying (to members) is to continue to do what they do and we will be taking some legal advice.”
Located at the gateway to the Lakes and Wilderness region and an easy three hour drive from Melbourne, you can enjoy close access to the Gippsland lakes and beaches, national parks and the Located at the gateway to the Lakes and Wilderness region, you can enjoy easy access to the snowfields. An array of fantastic lifestyle options is available combined with the opportunity to fast Gippsland and beaches, national parks and snowfields. As the largest healthcare provider track your lakes Nursing career.
in East Gippsland, the Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) provides services to a growing population of 40,000 people across a land mass of 21,000 square kilometres. BRHS operates three fixed campuses in conjunction with itinerant healthcare services in remote communities.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATE NURSE UNIT MANAGERS
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As the largest healthcare provider in East Gippsland, Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) provides services to a growing population of 40,000 people.
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Applications are invited from experienced Registered Nurses interested in joining a high functioning and
Due to internal promotion andteam staffinretirement, we positions are seeking experienced and negotiable. enthusiastic committed emergency nursing these ongoing with full/part time hours We are seeking experience in supporting and/or leading a nursing Midwives to join applicants our team. who Withcan 350demonstrate births per year, our service offers 3 different models of care: team. Postmidwifery; graduate qualifications in Critical Emergency Nursing be well regarded. caseload shared care; and Care GP or only care. We arewillinterested in discussing The successful will benefit from: opportunities toapplicants suit individual requirements. • • •
Access to extensive salary packaging options Ongoing paid professional development leave Accommodation and relocation assistance
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Grade 4, 0.8 on eft/full time Enquiries to: Tim Wood, Nurse Unit Manager 03 5150 3360 negotiable Please visit www.brhs.com.au for a position description application details. An exciting vacancy for a Registered Nurse with a and strong clinical background to hone existing skills in management, data analysis and system development. This newly created position will provide you with an excellent opportunity to develop and Nursing lead aCareers team Allied of multidisciplinary health Health - Issue 2 | Page 21 professionals and create effective systems to manage elective surgery access.
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Nurse Unit Manager (Acute) Portland, Victoria Applicants must hold current AHPRA registration with an eligible work permit for Australia
Nurse Unit Manager (Medical Unit) Hamilton, Victoria The Nurse Unit Manager provides leadership to our medical unit/ GEM rehab/ ICU and ED departments
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Physiotherapists raise funds to end violence against women by Karen Keast violent deaths of Melbourne women Jill Meagher and Sarah Cafferkey. “We have just done some minor social media on our Facebook page and Twitter and the response to the likes and unsolicited comments have been very supportive,” he said. “We are quite heartened by that.” Mr Massis said physiotherapy was a femaleorientated industry, with women making up more than 70 per cent of the APA. “Violence against women is one of the most widespread human rights abuses across the globe,” he said. “It affects women of all ages, races and cultures, overseas and in our own backyard. The vicious beating and gang rape of an Indian physiotherapy student has sparked an outpouring of support from the Australian physiotherapy profession. The 23-year-old woman died 13 days after the horrific attack on December 16 last year, with the incident triggering widespread outrage along with an outpouring of support to end violence against women. The tragedy has prompted Australian Physiotherapy Association members to band together, with physiotherapists raising about $3500 in just over a week, putting up anti-violence posters in their workplaces and discussing the issue with their patients. The funds will be donated to UN Women Australia’s anti-violence campaign in the lead up to International Women’s Day on March 8. APA CEO Cris Massis said it was the first time the organisation had taken part in the campaign, and it hoped to raise $10,000 for the cause. Mr Massis said physiotherapists had been touched by the tragedy, and also the recent Page 24 | www.ncah.com.au
“As a community, we want to take a stand and help stop this appalling cruelty.” World Confederation for Physical Therapy Asia Western Pacific Region chair Gillian Webb said the issue of violence against women was close to the hearts of physiotherapists. “Not only was this young woman a dedicated physiotherapy student with a bright future ahead of her, but all too often physiotherapists are called to treat and rehabilitate the victims of violence and trauma,” she said in a statement. “Healthcare providers are an essential link in the coordinated effort to break the cycle of violence and build a healthy community. “One of the key issues we are working on in the Asia West Pacific Region is the development of leadership in the health profession to move forward in this area.” UN Women works in more than 100 countries empowering women and girls, providing educational and economic opportunities. To support the campaign visit https://give. everydayhero.com/au/APA
Looking for a change? Why not consider an exciting new career with Mercy Health & Aged Care? Mercy Health & Aged Care Central Queensland Ltd has 5 Mater Hospitals which are located in Mackay, Yeppoon, Gladstone, Rockhampton & Bundaberg. We also have Aged Care facilities in Rockhampton. • We are one of Queensland’s highest paying private health and aged care employers; • Offer diverse career opportunities for Nurses and Midwives, Carer’s, Allied Health Professionals and all support services; • Flexibility to suit your lifestyle and commitments; • Professional Development opportunities; • Friendly and supportive working environment. Find out more or search for vacancies at: www.mercycq.com or call our recruitment team on (07) 4931 7478 today!
Stay of execution for Queensland regional hospitals Amid ongoing budgetary cuts to Queensland’s healthcare sector, a reprieve has been granted for two hospitals in the state’s regional areas that had previously been designated for closure.
the meeting was a commitment to attempt to restructure the hospital’s model so it meets its budgetary limitations. It is understood the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Board has undertaken to present this plan to the health minister.
The hospitals at Moura in central Queensland and Eidsvold in the north Burnett have suffered in recent times from low attendance and difficulties in attracting staff.
Meanwhile at Eidsvold in the north Burnett, the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service is contemplating the future of the Eidsvold Hospital, which has found itself unable to recruit a permanent doctor or head of nursing. It is understood plans to keep the hospital operational are under discussion.
However Queensland premier Campbell Newman has confirmed plans to shut the hospitals will not proceed. A meeting was called last Thursday to discuss a proposal to close the Moura hospital, which has fallen into disrepair and is catering to critically low patient numbers. Reportedly attended by over 400 members of the public, it is understood the outcome of
With the threatened closure of small hospitals in regional Queensland highlighting the cuts local hospital boards are being forced to make to meet budget demands, Health Minister Lawrence Springborg has indicated changes. For the full article visit NCAH.com.au Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 2 | Page 25
New motorcycle for paramedics after brake failure by Karen Keast Victoria’s motorcycle ambulances have been sidelined after a brake failure caused a paramedic to crash while responding to an emergency. The two 500cc Piaggio three-wheeled motorcycles have been taken off the road and are being reviewed after the accident in December. Ambulance Victoria will instead introduce a twowheeled BMW motorcycle in March or April as it forges ahead with the trouble-plagued threeyear trial. Ambulance Employees Association of Victoria general secretary Steve McGhie said the paramedic involved in the accident sustained bruising and abrasions. “The paramedic happened to hit a vehicle and I believe came off the back and the bike landed on him,” he said.
“For example, the unit recently proved vital in assisting a patient who had a cardiac arrest on the bike path along the Yarra River in Burnley.” The motorcycles, introduced as part of a $3.2 million State Government trial, have been criticised for running out of battery charge and being unable to ride over kerbs while the union has also highlighted a range of health and safety concerns. Mr McGhie said a dispute regarding payment and conditions, including health and safety issues, surrounding the motorcycles would go before the industrial relations tribunal later this month. “These are issues that have been outstanding since the start of the trial in November 2011,” he said. “I have not been happy with the way Ambulance Victoria have handled this trial from day one.”
“The motorcycle paramedics are now running around in paramedic sedans and are responding solo.”
Mr Thomson said the supplier and an engineer are assessing the Piaggio motorcycles to determine the cause of the brake failure.
Mr McGhie said the BMW motorcycles had “a better track record”.
“The results of the assessment will determine when these particular motorcycles can resume operation; this assessment is underway currently,” he said.
“I believe the BMW bikes have been used by other ambulance services or the police force,” he said. “They are a bigger bike and a more powerful bike.” Ambulance Victoria metro west regional manager Simon Thomson said the Piaggio had faced “some challenges” but he said the concept worked. “Our motorcycle paramedic trial has… shown benefits in terms of better access (to) bike paths, bike trails, crowded city centres, and reduced the time spent getting to incidents on the freeways around the CBD,” he said. Page 26 | www.ncah.com.au
“This is a trial and we have been gaining valuable information every day to help us determine the necessary requirements of a motorcycle response unit that best suits our environment and can help save lives in Victoria. “In establishing this three year trial, we have put into place very stringent processes, including hands-on emergency rider training, specialised equipment, changes to procedures to accommodate this new response, these measures ensure the safety of our motorcycle paramedics.”
S3
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New Year, New Career
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Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 2 | Page 27
Disability nurses’ shortage hits Stockton by Karen Keast One of the largest residential centres for people with disabilities in New South Wales is facing a major shortage of registered nurses. New South Wales Nurses and Midwives’ Association acting assistant general secretary Lisa Kremmer said Newcastle’s Stockton Centre is struggling to attract RNs and now 40 per cent of its RN positions are vacant. “They are in dire straits with their registered nursing positions,” she said. “They have got 40 per cent of their registered nurse positions vacant which is having a significant impact on the staff and clients. “The management have been forced, because they have got little choice, in employing more assistants in nursing (AINs). “It’s having a significant impact in skills mix and it places an additional responsibility and additional burden on the registered nurses who have to supervise the AINs, who have a role to play. “We are not saying there shouldn’t be AINs, it is just the registered nurses are taking on more responsibility for AINs and the supervision of care that’s provided to clients,” she said. “It means they are really stretched and that’s having a flow on effect to the quality of care for residents.” Ms Kremmer said rates of pay for nurses working in disability services are between six and 15 per cent less than that of nurses working in the public hospital system. She said the critical shortage of disability nurses working in ageing, disability and home care was an issue state-wide. Union figures show RNs working in disability services with more than four years’ experience earn $3824 annually less than nurses who work in public hospitals while RNs with more than eight years’ experience earn $4594 less. Page 28 | www.ncah.com.au
“The Stockton Centre just doesn’t get applications for registered nurses wanting to work there, and it’s not because nurses don’t want to work in disability services; they can’t afford to,” she said. “Nurses are taking positions in the public health system rather than working in disability services to the detriment of that very vulnerable group of people.” Ms Kremmer said the union was calling on the State Government to resolve the pay parity, which would work to attract nurses back into disability services. The union will meet with State Disability Services Minister Andrew Constance mid-February to discuss the issue. The union is also hoping to achieve 10,000 signatures on its online petition, which has so far received 2000 signatures. “We want the community to understand the issues that face clients in disability services and the nurses that care for them and to join us in calling on the government to rectify the situation,” she said. A New South Wales Department of Family and Community Services spokesperson was unable to comment before deadline.
Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 2 | Page 29
Dancer embraces physiotherapy career by Karen Keast “I had impingement syndrome, sudden sharp pain when standing ‘en pointe’, and also chronic tendinosus, (a) painful Achilles tendon during ankle movements,” she said. “I then changed to a career in contemporary dance where there would be no pointe work. “However, during my first season at (leading contemporary dance company) Black Grace I then developed a stress fracture in my second metatarsal and had recurrence of my old injuries. “I had always loved anatomy classes at the School of Dance and I also really enjoyed teaching; several of my friends at the school asked me to coach them for their exams. When professional dancer Sophie Ryan sustained injuries that left her unable to perform at an elite level, she turned that knowledge into a new career. The Australian, who now lives in New Zealand and graduated from the New Zealand School of Dance, has made the transition from dance into a career in physiotherapy. Sophie last year completed her Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in physiotherapy, at the Auckland University of Technology, and recently began work as a physiotherapist at The Body Workshop in Auckland. “I can’t wait to use my knowledge, experiences and skills to make people feel better every day what a rewarding occupation,” Sophie said. “I’m also excited that it is a challenging job where you continue to learn and every individual case is unique, meaning you’re always kept ‘on your toes’ – even if it is only figuratively now!”
“So, I put two and two together and decided to take on a career where I was working with the human body and getting to help people with strengthening, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries.” Sophie, who first began dancing at the age of six in Australia, now balances her physiotherapy work with teaching dance, including teaching competition work to young dancers and teaching Pilates to dancers. Sophie hopes to one day explore a more specialised role in rehabilitation for dancers. In the meantime, she knows her dancing experience will help enrich her physiotherapy skills. “I absolutely believe that the body awareness that dancing has given me will enhance my skills as a physiotherapist, especially in terms of teaching patients how to adopt more biomechanically sound movement patterns,” she said.
It was dancing on the tips of her toes that first sparked Sophie’s injuries.
“It has given me an insight into the world of the elite athlete and what it takes to excel at such an athletic art-form.
The demanding pointe work led to Sophie developing painful and debilitating conditions.
“I also know what it feels like to be injured and not be able to do the thing you love!”
Page 30 | www.ncah.com.au
2013 Nursing Opportunities in Saudi Arabia Interviews taking place in Australia & New Zealand
The Prince Sultan Cardiac Center (PSCC) is located in Riyadh the capital of Saudi Arabia. This 174 bed advanced teaching hospital provides a major portion of the cardiac services for the Kingdom. PSCC offers a full range of diagnostic and management facilities for patients ranging in age from neonate to elderly. There are five clinical departments: Adult Cardiology; Paediatric Cardiology; Adult Cardiac Surgery; Paediatric Cardiac Surgery; Cardiac Anaesthesia and Intensive Care.
Information sessions and interviews in April
BOOK NOW! Benefits: • Salary Paid tax free • Severance Pay (as per Saudi Law)
Vacancies:
• Free furnished accommodation
➤ RN Adult Cardiac ICU ➤ RN Paediatric Surgical ICU ➤ RN Paediatric Cardiology ICU ➤ Nursing Education Coordinator ➤ Clinical Educator ➤ Infection Control Nurse Specialist
• Free transportation service
Rn’s with no prior cardiac experience welcome to apply.
• 7.5 weeks paid annual leave per contract year • 2 return airline tickets per contract year • Free medical care & emergency dental care • Educational allowance for children (applicable to Nursing Education Coordinator, Clinical Educator and Infection Control Nurse Specialist posts only)
Not sure about Saudi Arabia? Come along & meet the representatives in person, listen to their information sessions & have all your questions answered.
Free Phone AUS: 1800 818 844 Free Phone NZ: 0800 700 839 Email: raquel@ccmrecruitment.com.au or dawn@ccmrecruitment.com.au Nursing Careers Allied Health - Issue 2
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